If you’re looking for a weeknight dinner that’s quick, easy, and full of flavor, this Chicken Mozzarella Pasta is the recipe for you! Tender chicken, hearty penne pasta, and a rich marinara sauce come together, with pieces of mozzarella nestled all through out the marina! The ultimate comfort food. I originally learned this recipe years ago watching The Pioneer Woman!
This simple pasta dish is one of our family favorites because it’s ready in no time and always satisfies. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight or serving it up for a cozy weekend meal, this cheesy chicken pasta is guaranteed to become a recipe you’ll want to make again and again.
I love quick weeknight meals that everyone loves! This is a favorite and we serve it family style in the middle of the table!
If you are looking for another quick and hearty weeknight meal try my Chicken Burrito Skillet!
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Ingredients
- penne pasta
- olive oil
- chicken breasts
- garlic powder
- oregano
- basil
- salt and pepper
- garlic cloves
- marinara sauce
- red pepper flakes
- fresh mozzarella
- parsley
- parmesan shavings
- Italian seasoning
See exact quantities in recipe card below!
Instructions
To begin, cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente, then set it aside. Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. While the oil warms, toss the chicken pieces with herbs, salt, and pepper. Once the skillet is hot, add the chicken in a single layer and let it cook undisturbed for about 2 minutes until golden. Next, stir the chicken to brown it on all sides and continue cooking until it is fully cooked through, about 2–4 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the fresh garlic (and a drizzle of olive oil if needed) and stir immediately to release its flavor. Then, reduce the heat to low and pour in the marinara sauce along with red pepper flakes and ½ cup of pasta water. Stir well until the garlic and sauce are fully combined before adding the chicken back into the skillet. Sprinkle in the parsley and stir again to blend everything together. Allow the mixture to simmer, stirring occasionally, for 4–6 minutes until the sauce is bubbly and hot.
At this point, gently place the cubes of mozzarella evenly over the sauce. Lightly press them in with a spoon and let them sit undisturbed until soft and melty, about 2–3 minutes. While the cheese melts, drain the pasta and transfer it to a large serving platter. Drizzle the pasta with a little olive oil and immediately sprinkle Parmesan shavings over the top. Finally, spoon the hot sauce over the pasta, finish with a touch of Italian seasoning, and serve right away for a comforting and flavorful meal.
Watch the recipe in action here!
Equipment
Yay! All you need is a pasta pot and a skillet! HAHA! Honestly, my thoughts are that meals are so much easier with a well stocked kitchen. I have some of my favorites at this affiliate link. Go take a look!
Storage
This is great for leftovers! My kids loved to take it to school and work the next day! I love these containers for red sauce items so it doesn't stain my plastic.
Top Tip
Make sure your chicken is in bite size pieces and seasoned well before cooking. It makes all the difference!
Quality Marinara?
Use your favorite marinara for this recipe. I love Mezzetta, Yo Mamas and Carbone.
Weeknight Meals to Try
If you are looking for more weeknight meals, let me help! Try one of these soon!
- Chicken Burrito Skillet
- Quick and Easy Beef and Broccoli
- Greek Inspired Grilled Chicken Salad
- Stir Fry Beef with Peppers
Cookies to Try!
Chicken Mozzarella Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 pound penne pasta rigatoni and ziti also works great
- 2 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1-1 ¼ pounds chicken breasts cut into bite sized pieces
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon basil
- salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 25 ounce jar good quality marinara sauce
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- ½ cup water if pasta is almost done use pasta water
- 1 teaspoon parsley
- 5 ounces fresh mozzarella cut into medium sized cubes
- ¼ cup parmesan shavings
- Italian seasoning or basil garnish top
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss the herbs, salt and pepper together with chicken pieces. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer and allow to cook, without stirring, until golden, about 2 minutes. Stir the chicken around to brown it on all sides and cook through. About 2-4 minutes. Remove to a plate. In the same skillet over medium-high heat, add the fresh garlic (and a little more olive oil if needed) and stir immediately to start cooking. Reduce the heat to low and pour in the marinara sauce, red pepper flakes and ½ cup of pasta water. Stir until the garlic and sauce is combined, then add the chicken back to the skillet. Add the parsley and stir to combine. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, for 4-6 minutes. Make sure the sauce is bubbly and very hot, then gently place in the cubes of mozzarella all over the sauce and pat into the sauce with a spoon. Let sit, undisturbed, until you can see that the mozzarella is very soft, 2 to 3 minutes. Drain the pasta and pour it onto a platter. Drizzle with a little olive oil. Immediately sprinkle on the Parmesan shavings. Pour on the sauce gently and sprinkle Italian seasoning. Serve immediately
Hannah says
Love this for a variation of chicken parmesan!! Delicious!!!
Misty Tannery says
It is a family favorite for sure! My kids always liked the family style bowl!
Tina says
Love this one! Perfect weeknight meal!
Misty Tannery says
Oh, for sure! I love hearty weeknight meals!
Stephanie says
My kids thought this was absolutely amazing. They definitely want me to keep making it for dinners.
Misty Tannery says
I am so glad! It's definitely a family fav here too!
Abi says
Love pasta recipes like this, so comforting and just perfect for a weeknight meal!
Misty Tannery says
It's definitely a family fav!
Madhu says
This looks like the ultimate comfort food with all that cheesy mozzarella tucked into the pasta. I love how easy it sounds for a weeknight dinner and I am definitely saving this one.
Misty Tannery says
This is one of my kids favorite dinners for sure! Hope you enjoy it too!